If a vehicle hit you while you were walking in Bristol, CT, you might wonder about your legal rights and the next steps you should take to protect them. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your options, guide you through the process, and seek compensation for you.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our attorneys have over 55 years of combined legal experience, including a deep background in pedestrian accident cases. We work hard for the hard-working people of Connecticut. We fully investigate every case, explore all options, and skillfully negotiate with insurance companies for maximum client compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case with an experienced Bristol pedestrian accident lawyer.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities have risen dramatically in Bristol and throughout Connecticut, according to the Office of Highway Safety. Pedestrian accidents frequently happen in areas with high foot traffic and vehicle congestion, including the following areas:
- Crosswalks — Despite clear markings, pedestrians in crosswalks often get hit by negligent drivers. Car accidents involving pedestrians often occur due to speeding or distracted driving.
- Intersections — Many accidents occur due to drivers failing to yield when necessary or running red lights and stop signs.
- Residential areas — Neighborhood streets become dangerous for pedestrians when drivers speed or fail to watch for walkers, including children playing outside.
- Parking lots and garages — Pedestrians are at risk from vehicles reversing or cutting across parking lots.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bristol Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but some common factors contribute to a significant number of cases, including the following:
- Distracted driving — Drivers who text, eat, or use a GPS behind the wheel often miss seeing pedestrians.
- Speeding — Drivers who speed react slower and struggle to stop in time for pedestrians.
- Impaired driving — Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs lose awareness and react more slowly when they encounter pedestrians.
- Fatigued driving — Drowsy drivers have slower reactions and may even fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their vehicle.
- Failure to yield — Drivers who ignore the right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks may cause serious injuries.
- Poor driving conditions — Drivers who navigate in low light, bad weather, or with obstructed views face a significant risk of hitting pedestrians.
- Jaywalking — Pedestrians who cross outside designated areas can also cause accidents, even when drivers share the blame.
What Injuries Occur Most Often in a Pedestrian Accident?
Because they lack structural protection, pedestrians risk suffering serious injuries in crashes involving motor vehicles. The following are among the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents:
- Broken bones — Pedestrians often sustain fractures in their legs, arms, ribs, or hips.
- Head injuries — Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common injuries after a pedestrian accident.
- Spinal cord injuries — In the worst cases, damage to the spine can lead to paralysis.
- Internal injuries — Injuries to internal organs or internal bleeding can be fatal.
- Lacerations and abrasions — Deep cuts or road rash can cause infections or leave lasting scars.
What Are the Pedestrian Laws in Bristol?
Pedestrian accident claims require a thorough understanding of Connecticut traffic laws and personal injury statutes. Connecticut law outlines the following rights and responsibilities of pedestrians:
- Right-of-way in crosswalks — Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Duty of care for driver — Motorists must remain vigilant and avoid reckless behaviors that endanger pedestrians.
- Obligation to obey signals — Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and avoid crossing against a red light.
- Restrictions on jaywalking — Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks when available.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured as a Pedestrian?
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident. You can also take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Call the police — A police report goes a long way toward establishing liability and strengthening your claim.
- Follow up with care — Listen to and follow your doctor’s instructions for surgery, rehabilitation, and future appointments.
- Create a paper trail — Take photos of your injuries and retain all medical bills, correspondence with the insurance company, and other documents.
- Do not discuss fault — You should not discuss fault with the driver or insurance company adjuster. Doing so could jeopardize your potential compensation.
- Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer — Insurance companies make it difficult for victims to secure compensation. It is best to leave legal advocacy and details to an experienced Connecticut pedestrian accident attorney.
What Sort of Compensation Could a Pedestrian Accident Victim Be Entitled To?
The extent of the injury affects the compensation you can seek in your pedestrian accident claim. Generally, pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses — Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and future medical treatments.
- Lost wages — Missed work or limited earning potential due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering — Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma.
- Disability or disfigurement — These permanent injuries can affect your mobility, appearance, and ability to perform daily activities.
Can Pedestrians Be Partly Responsible for Their Injuries?
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a pedestrian shares some liability for the accident — like crossing outside of a crosswalk or being distracted — the insurance company or the court can reduce their compensation accordingly.
For example, if you are found to be 20 percent responsible, your total compensation will reflect a 20 percent deduction. However, you can still pursue compensation if you are less than 51 percent at fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?
As a general rule, Connecticut law has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file your pedestrian accident lawsuit within two years of the crash. Exceptions to this rule may shorten or lengthen the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the filing deadline, it will jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Also, waiting too long can weaken your case, as evidence may disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. For this reason, you should seek help from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as early as possible.
Contact a Bristol, CT Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A Bristol, CT, pedestrian accident lawyer understands the complex nature of pedestrian accident claims, including intersection accidents, failure to yield, and crosswalk-related injuries. Our legal team is ready to investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, is proud of our reputation as trusted legal advocates for hard-working clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more and discuss your pedestrian accident case.
